If you are among the many who make your living working on construction sites across California, you probably have at least some degree of knowledge about the dangers associated with your industry. While construction workers face numerous on-the-job risks, some of the more notable hazards involve working on or around scaffolding, or elevated, temporary work platforms. At Kampf, Schiavone & Associates, we understand that catastrophic injuries often result from scaffolding-related accidents, and we have helped many workers injured on construction sites seek appropriate recourse.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, about 65 percent of workers in the construction industry regularly utilize scaffolds, but the platforms can prove highly dangerous if not properly erected and used. Per one study, more than 70 percent of workers who suffered a scaffolding-related injury did so because the platform either gave way, or because the worker slipped or was struck by a falling object.
While you can reduce your risk of a fall-related injury by donning proper protective equipment and making sure to erect scaffolds properly, there are other ways in which you can injure yourself when working on or around scaffolding. For example, if you erect your work platform too close to power lines, you may risk electrocution. Additionally, if you work below or near scaffolding, you run the risk of suffering an injury caused by falling equipment, tools or even a collapsing scaffold itself.
Your employer has a duty to protect you when you work on or near scaffolding, and he or she can help reduce your injury risk by strictly adhering to OSHA’s safety guidelines. More about scaffolding-related accidents is available on our web page.
